On Saturday, Dec. 8, the first day of Hanukkah, Congregation Or Shalom had a quiet indoor menorah lighting after sunset.

Afterward, everyone went outside with Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus to light an outdoor menorah, sing and dance.

The celebration continued indoors with games, chocolate coins, singing and dancing.

Hebrew Academy

On Tuesday night, Dec. 11, hundreds gathered at the Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy with Rabbi Shaya Hecht for a special Menorah lighting on the fourth day of Hanukkah.

In the past, the Hebrew Academy has had some really unique Menorahs — Ice Carved, Chocolate, and Lego, all 8-feet tall or more. Then First Selectman Mitch Goldblatt had the honor of lighting each of them.

On Tuesday night Selectman Goldblatt was back to light this year’s candy Menorah. The tall Menorah was constructed of plastic tubes which the children filled with dum dum lollipops, twizzlers and a variety of other candies.

The hall was decorated like a candyland board game with different game stations for added family fun.

An inflatable fun house kept younger children entertained in the middle of the room and Rabbi Hecht served up fresh buttered pop corn.

Now is the time to seriously consider our upcoming trip to Israel. The cutoff date for submitting applications is Jan. 1, 2013. We need 15 people to get the reduced airfare. We currently have 9 people who have submitted applications. Remember, the $200 per person deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before departure. If you are considering this wonderful opportunity, SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS NOW. Applications and a full itinerary are available at the synagogue.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the wonders of ancient and modern Israel. From the Western Wall to Yad Vashem. From the mystical city of Tsefat to the fortress of Masada. From the Dead Sea to Israel’s Riviera Eilat.

Pick up a complete itinerary and application at the synagogue or on the Or Shalom web site (www.orshalomct.org).

Remember, only a $200 deposit per person is required and is fully refundable up to 90 days before departure.